Fashion Fades; Style is Eternal

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Thursday, May 31, 2012

The first day shopping in New York City was a little cloudy with a chance of rain. I decided to wear my Salvatore Ferragamo knee-high black leather boots so I could be fashionable, water resistant, and walk the speed of light up and down 5th Avenue to Lexington.

By the end of the day, I could barely walk. As soon as we got to the room I headed straight to the tub and gave my feet a nice sparkly organic soak (courtesy of a Lush sparkle bath bomb I somehow had left in my suitcase before repacking).

After a little TLC I was ready to jump right into a pair of 5-inchers for dinner and nighttime play.

The next day it was pouring. I decided to wear my boots again because I wasn't about to walk around in sky-high booties and the Ferragamos were the only other option I had that were closed toe. So, I slipped those bitches on...and barely made it through the first few shops (we were covering SoHo this day) when I saw a man carrying an Ugg bag. He had an Abercrombie shirt on, faded Levi jeans, and ugly ugly kicks...you know the type.

No, I didn't merely go on my way. Instead, I bolted right up to him and asked him where the Ugg store was. He gave me directions and no sooner was I in the Ugg store, trying on a pair of furry flat Uggs...in brown...with my all black outfit. I was in heaven. I wore them out.

It was this precise moment when I solved the mystery behind the woman carrying a Birkin and wearing Nikes.

See, shoes here in California are so much more of a staple in our wardrobes. We wear Givenchy boots in the supermarkets, Louboutins in the office, and our favorite pair of Choos for cocktails. We wear uncomfortable heels all day long. If we change into another pair it's simply because our day time heels were too casual for night.

How are we able to do this?Because we don't walk!

You are walking everywhere in New York. Which explains why women are totally okay shopping in Bergdorfs on their lunch break wearing neon Nikes. Of course they switch into proper shoes when they're back into the office or going out to dinner, but I learned that walking around the city in running shoes is entirely acceptable when you have a fabulous accessory on your arm.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

The second night we were in New York, we dined at a fabulous seafood restaurant in the Upper East Side called Fishtail by David Burke. It was chic, innovative, and had a wonderful crowd of entertaining people surrounding us. After we finished the last of David Burke's Cheesecake Lollipops that were brought for dessert, we decided to get a little swanky...

Our search for swankiness brought us to the ever so elegant and bougieBemelmans Bar at The Carlyle. We arrived just in time for a prime spot in the corner as the entertainment for the night just began their second set. There is quite a cover, but if you plan on staying for awhile and spending into the triple digits on bubbly (which is inevitable if you chose to stay for a hot minute or two) it's well worth it to make friends with your bartender and get that cover waved.

Now, you may ask yourself what to wear to a luxurious watering hole such as Bemelmans Bar. You certainly wouldn't want to fall short on your appearance, seeing that you'll be surrounded by socialites, movie stars, politicians, and other fabulously witty and charismatic people like yourself.

Bemelmans Bar's Cosmopolitan

Let me direct you in the right direction when trying to pull off just enough elegance to go with swanky cocktail...

1. Anything overly trendy should be avoided. If your ensemble screams a certain season in particular, god forbid a specific year as well, you should tone it down. Classic staples are much more glamorous options for this type of environment.

2. Think fancy footwear. Everyone is running around NYC in Nikes with their Birkins, but I can guarantee that they've changed into much more appropriate (perhaps red) soles upon arriving to socialize. A sexy pair of Choos is a good choice if you're planning on wearing more of an understated look that could use a little dressing up or pop of color. If you'd like to keep it classic, you can't go wrong with a pair of elegant black pumps or a feminine pair of Chanel kitten heels.

4. A small clutch is a nice touch and what I would recommend personally to carry your Tom Ford touch up lipstick in, but by all means if you've got a big bag you're proud of, go ahead and show it off. Just remember that the space is very intimate...don't be intrusive.

5. Want to bring your furry pet with you? Make sure it's around your neck or over your shoulders. Fur is marvelously glamorous for the cozy, dark room...your barking puppy is not, regardless of whether or not you carried him over in your Hermès doggie carrier.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

As I sit here lazily attempting to catch up on my blogging while sipping on my Starbucks AVL (AVL: Anorexic Vanilla Latte, my creation totaling 30 calories - venti drip coffee, 1 pump sugar free vanilla, 2 inches steamed soy), all I can think about is what I'd be doing in New York City at this exact time a day ago...

View from the BG Restaurant

I'd be sitting in a round chair by the window on the 7th floor of Bergdorf Goodman overlooking The Plaza Hotel, sipping on a flute of Sheer Glamour (champagne, plum bitters, raw sugar), and playing "I Spy a Birkin" - a game my boyfriend and I came up over our first breakfast in the city.

This was our 5th Avenue mid-day break that we took in place of lunch and let me tell you, was it ever necessary. Shopping from roughly 10 am to 7 pm in New York City is tough play, but we had it nailed down to perfection. All you need to do is plot out your favorite destinations and be sure to hit everything that catches interest in between.

Here are a few of the stores that were highlighted on the map that SMZ carried around in the back pocket of his fabulous jeans (his very first - but not last - purchase at Bergdorf Goodman, might I add)...

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

I have been beyond busy trying to get ready for my upcoming trip to NYC - I leave on the redeye flight tomorrow and so far I've packed a hair straightener and one pair of Marni pumps in my suitcase...yikes!

Many of you may already know, New York City is a place that I hold very dear to my heart and a place that really does make me believe that dreams are worth having. Feel free to smack me out of my Manolos for going completely Disney on you, but I don't know any other way to describe how much I crave the magical hustle and bustle of the city and how empowering it is to be able to experience it once again. Le sigh.

I've been to New York an incredible handful of times and every time I go back to the big city, my experience is always different.

This trip, I will be opening up an entirely new world of New York City for myself...musically. I will be performing at Carnegie Hall with an incredible group singing Britten's Spring Symphony. I can't tell you how ridiculously excited I am for this concert, as it has always been a dream of mine to perform on the stage of Carnegie Hall...check!

Of course, I've managed to plan an incredible few days before the crazy rehearsals and performance dedicated entirely to Bergdorf Goodman, champagne bars, and city roaming.

Unfortunately, I have failed big time at getting together blog posts to keep you occupied with while I am away. I hope you will forgive me, as I promise, promise, promise to report back with the most amazing finds and naturally, ridiculous blog worthy stories.

You can keep up with my general whereabouts and thoughts by checking up via twitter (@LPriceSOright) while I'm gone or if you're feeling bougie and are one of my dear readers in NYC, come to the concert Sunday evening at Carnegie Hall, tickets are still available online or at the box office (http://www.carnegiehall.org/Calendar/2012/5/27/0830/PM/MidAmerica-Productions-Concert-Series/)...I have to say, I have a pretty fabulous outfit for staying within "concert dress" guidelines that is worth the show!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

There is nothing more embarrassing than walking into a designer's boutique and mispronouncing the designer and/or the line. Generally, the Haute-er the designer, the more difficult the pronunciation becomes to the naive eye.

But did you really just call that Hermès Birkin a Her-mees Birkin? No matter how God-like Hermès may seem to you, don't you dare pronounce it after the Greek God Hermes.

As for my stand on butchering designers names...we all do it at least once. Let's be honest here. There was a time and place long, long ago when even Anna Wintour may have goofed up the "loo" in Lhuillier.

It's one thing if you are an embarrassing nobody and were ignorantly mimicking the designer by not caring to learn the pronunciation of the name in any version but your own ridiculous creation - please escort yourself out of the boutique immediately and don't ever let the designer's name hit your lips ever again.

It's a completely different story if you really had no idea how to pronounce the name of your favorite designer because the only opportunity you've had to fall in love with the line was through the various editorials in Vogue or other fashionable sources - you just need a little guidance.

Let me educate you on the correct pronunciation of some of the designers' names that can be a little tricky. Memorize this. I can tell you right now, that your amazing "Hooked on Phonics" technique you learned as a child won't always work when dealing with Couture.

This guide will give you complete confidence in verbally appreciating the dear designers and/or their lines...

Haute Couture Pronunciation Guide

Haute - [oht]

Couture - [koo-toor;Fr.koo-tyr]

Abaete - [Ah-bye-ah-tay]

Andrew Gn - [Andrew Jen]

Anna Sui - [Anna Swee]

Ann Demeulemeester - [Ann De-mule-eh-meester]

Badgley Mischka - [Badge-lee Meesh-kah]

Balenciaga - [Bah-len-see-aga]

Balmain - [Bahl-mahhhhn]

Behnaz Sarafpour - [Beh-nozz Sa-rah-fur]

Bottega Veneta - [Bow-tay-guh Vah-netta]

Christian Lacroix - [Christian Luh-qua]

Comme des Garcons - [Comb-day-gar-sewn]

Dries Van Noten - [Drees Van Know-ten]

Gareth Pugh - [Gareth Pew]

Giambattista Valli - [Gee-am-bah-tease-ta Valley]

Gianfranco Ferre - [Gee-ahn-franco Feh-ray]

Givenchy - [Jee-von-shee]

Hermes - [Er-mez]

Hussein Chalayan - [Hoo-sane Sha-lion]

Issey Miyake - [Iss-ee Mee-yah-key]

Jean Paul Gaultier - [Zhon Paul Go-tee-ay]

Junya Watanabe - [June-yah Wot-uh-nah-bee]

Lanvin - [Lahn-vahhhh...n]

Louis Vuitton - [Louie Vwee-tahhhhh...n]

Marchesa - [Mar-kay-sah]

Miu Miu - [Myoo Myoo]

Monique Lhuillier - [Monique Loo-lee-ay]

Moschino - [Mos-key-no]

Olivier Theyskens - [Oh-liv-ee-ay Tay-skins]

Proenza Schouler - [Pro-en-zuh Skool-er]

Rochas - [Row-shah]

Rodarte - [Row-dar-tay]

Sonia Rykiel - [Sewn-ya Ree-key-el]

Thakoon - [Tuh-koon]

Versace - [Vur-sah-chee]

Yigal Azrouel - [Yee-goll Az-roo-el]

Yohji Yamamoto - [Yo-gee Yom-ah-mow-toe]

Yves Saint Laurent - [Eve Sane Laurennnnn...t]

I hope this list helped clear a few vowels up in your Couture pronunciation and made you realize maybe the designer or two who you've been butchering of all these years (hey, even I still can't completely get down Junya Watanabe without saying Junya Wanna-tanna-be).

Now go tell all of your friends about that fabulous dress you bought at Givenchy, not Guh-vin-chee!

For the most part, others that I have spoken to about this situation are totally against buying a toiletry bag of this nature.

"Why would you buy an L.V. bag to hold your toothpaste?" some ask...

First of all, if I buy the L.V. toiletry bag I will never ever have to buy another toiletry bag again, it will last all natural disasters in a lifetime plus - as all L.V. merchandise does. Indestructible and timeless.

Second of all, do you realize how often you use a toiletry bag? Every single time you pack up your lovely little suitcase, you bring your toiletries with you. Your toiletry bag is with you on all nights away - and speaking to all of my dear jetsetters reading, that's a lot of toiletry bag usage for you!

Lastly, if you have nice luggage, don't you just simply want it to be complete? I know you do.

When I get to thinking though, I do see the other side's point of view...

1. My same Ziploc bag has been to San Francisco and back annually for the past 3 years...it has lasted as long as my boyfriend has.

2. Would I rather spend money on a piece that will be hidden from the world for all of its existence or would I rather put the money towards a fabulous handbag for all of the world to see?

3. After all, it is just toothpaste...does toothpaste really deserve such special treatment? In my eyes, toothpaste at best is only ever going to be G.P. (General Public), not V.I.P.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The beauty section of all magazines have been taken over by the "Blue Pedicure" Epidemic. All high end cosmetic lines are now selling at least a shade or two of blue at their counters (Dior, Chanel, Tom Ford, you name it), waves of blue polish on serious heel height are flooding down the runways, and now every other housewife in my yoga class has brightly painted blue yogi toes.

It seems like every single person and their mother have caught on to this trend - and I mean this quite literally, it was actually my boyfriend's mother whose adorable blue pedicure inspired me to get one for myself.

Here are a few shades to try out on your toes this season that I'm madly blue about...and not in an unhappy way...

I'm a huge fan of the matte blue finishes like the three first picks, but for a fun pop of glitz, the Deborah Lippmann shades at the end have me sold.

Layering the blue matte and the glitter will not only give you a creative new shade, but the glitter on top of the polish will make your pedicure last forever. My nail lady hates me when I ask for glitter because she knows that she'll have to spend 10 minutes rubbing it off the next time I come in.

I'll probably be back to my reds and corals sooner than later, but for now this is a fun change!

So, I have to ask...what is this trend involving a burlap sack being cut up into tiny little pieces, sewn together again, and considered fashion?

You are making a statement...too bad it's an unfashionable one.

Miu Miu

I was at Burlap again for a little Bloody Mary-ing Away this past Sunday and I swear on my Manolos, in walks - no, struts - a woman in a Burlap effing dress.

Burlap is obviously the place to go to be blog inspired because so far in this past week, I've gotten two posts out of them. Either that or I just start becoming really creative and making up posts in my mind after a sip or few. Entertainment nonetheless. You should try going there, maybe you'll start a blog too.

Back to the Burlap moment though...I was just inches away from ordering the big fish bowl of a drink with the fire garnish just so I could "accidentally" catch her sack of a dress with it.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

In a couple of weeks I will be back to visit only my very favorite place in the world, Manhattan...and I cannot even begin to tell you how incredibly excited I am. Planning my week's agenda is nothing close to a chore...and forgive my crudeness, but this is the one time that I actually get off to scheduling.

My excitement was taken to an entirely new level after learning this morning that Gildas Loaëc and Masaya Kuroki, creators of the brilliant line - a genius composite of both music and fashion - Kitsuné, are opening their first U.S. boutique stationed at the luxurious Nomad hotel (off Broadway and 28th Street).

Maison Kitsuné was designed by the interior architect Anna Vignale and the New York architecture firm, TBD Architects. I know that hands down already, the architectural aesthetics alone will not disappoint...not to mention the über chic clothing that will be on display.

Kitsuné is known for their borderline obsessive detailing and the use of only the finest materials (think cashmere from Scotland and cotton from Oxford...purr).

Beyond just the flawless fashions, Kitsuné takes it a step further by incorporating music into the experience. Ex-manager of Daft Punk, Loaëc, showcases his freshest finds (such as Dwntwn, Childish Gambino, Heartsrevolution, etc.) on the store's soundtrack. Talk about innovative.

Moral of the post, Dear Fashionista; Kitsuné is about to be my greatest obsession. I can't wait to check it out and I promise to report back...most likely with the chic signature Kitsuné black fox on a large white bag.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Oh, the 80's. Instantly, you think Madonna black and lace or maybe the Eric Prydz Call on Mevideo starts to play in your head. Whatever visions of the 80's that come to mind, chances are you haven't seen them played out to their fullest in the fashion world for quite some time.

Yes, we have bold cobalt blue blazers pairing as a colorblocked afterthought coming down the runways...but, is this really a true embrace of 80's fashion? Only in part.

What about Marchesa's black lace and sequin embellishment on every carefully constructed one piece ever to cross the centerfold of Vogue? Madonna-esque if we're dealing with "technicalities," but she's the last person to come to mind in the world of Couture today.

Today, we throw on a heavy James Perse zip-hooded sweatshirt over a bold colored silk romper and call it "so 80's." I hate to break it to you, but the fashion icons of the 80's would be downright LOLing all over the floor at our attempts to make every shoulder padded article of clothing a representation of their era.

Anne Hathaway at the Golden Globes in a stunning, hot off the runway, Armani Prive column dress, was crowned Queen of the Night. A beautiful Queen she was, but really encompassing "Queen of the Night" fashion through this Couture piece just because of the open back and shoulder pads? I'm not buying it.

As surprising as it may seem, I am a huge, huge fan of 80's inspired fashion. I love the bold color spectrum, the strong structure, the mismatching of proportions...all of it. I, too, try to influence my style with 80's touches. It is however, near impossible to embrace the full feeling of 80's style in today's modern fashion world.

We certainly can try, but let's please remember what true 80's fashion is, and if we can't
incorporate it fully into our styles today, let's at least appreciate it and
call our representations of the 80's era what they are...a
representation.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Yesterday evening after work, I slyly ditched out of my yoga class and met up with my adorable girlfriend for a cocktail or two at Burlap. I figured this would be a much more efficient way of unwinding than getting my chaturanga and downward facing dog on.

As we were sipping on our favorite drink of choice - The Dragon (a spicy flute of champagne mixed with tequila and Szechuan chilies) - and catching up on each other's past weekend, a fabulously dressed older couple sat down next to us.

I tried not to draw too much attention to the fact that this bag was not only taking up all the room on the seat next to me, but also taking up all the room in my mind.

Just then she looks at me, and it was almost as if she was analyzing me from the top of my head (ok, my roots aren't that bad yet for being on my third week from touch up) to the bottom of my feet (my darling Manolos haven't stepped in gum have they?) - she must have caught me staring at her Birkin - and then she spoke...

The woman asked me if I would marry her son because he is thirty and living in the guest house. She said that she was taking this matter into her own hands and arranging a marriage.

Not bad hands to be in, judging by the eye catching 10 carat diamond drooping slightly around her thin ring finger of her left hand.

I had to play hard ball with this one, I couldn't just agree to anything. She was a woman who got her way, and when wanting to get your way with women like that, you have to want to get your way even more.

I politely told her, only if she gave me her Birkin.

She started handing it to me...

I had to leave immediately. Too tempting.

When I got home I told my boyfriend about the woman and her Birkin. He told me to write a blog on it (well, what do you know...)

I was questioning myself aloud - which I often do in our discussions - "Would I marry a man for a Birkin?" Debateable.

It would have to be new I think, for an oddly pathetic man living in a guest house.

My boyfriend says, "vintage babe, vintage," something with a story to it.

"The Queen of Austria had this bag and solved hunger in Austria with it or the Latvian Princess avoided a mugging in a gypsy village by clubbing a man with this Birkin."

I laughed thinking there was no way to turn this rambling into a silly blog.